Washington Announces Acquisition of Former Royals Farmhand, UMBC RHP Michael Austin, Release of Three Players
WASHINGTON, Pa. (June 22) - The Washington Wild Things have announced the signing of former Royals' farmhand and University of Maryland, Baltimore County right-handed pitcher Michael Austin. Austin signed his first professional contract and played for two rookie-ball teams in the Kansas City organization in 2017, and now comes to Washington. The team has also announced that RHP Danny Garmendia, OF Austin Crutcher and RHP Jamal Wilson have been released.
Austin, a native of Eldersburg, Maryland, played his high school ball at Century High School and holds the school records for career hits, RBI, and runs scored and the season records in batting average, hits and runs scored. He also pitched for the school and received first-team all-league honors twice.
The right hander matriculated to Bethune-Cookman after his high school career, and played three seasons for the MEAC school (NCAA Division I). In 2014, Austin had his best season for the Wildcats, as he sported a 3.09 earned run average in 23 games (1 start). He had three saves and and 0-5 record despite throwing 32.2 innings and only allowing a combined 15 runs (11 earned) in that work.
At UMBC in 2017, after sitting out a year due to transfer rules, Austin led the Retrievers with 66.1 innings. He struck out 47 and walked just 22 on his way to a 4-3 record and a 4.75 ERA for UMBC.
"We had discussions with Michael in the spring, but we knew he needed some time to get in position to join us for the long haul," said assistant general manager of baseball operations Tony Buccilli. "Michael threw some simulated innings for us and we believe he is ready to contribute to our starting rotation. He carries a calm, confident demeanor and he pounds the zone. We look for him to deepen our staff and provide quality innings."
Garmendia, Wilson and Crutcher were released, as the Wild Things' active roster, with those moves and the Austin signing, stands at 22.
Austin is with the team in Schaumburg, Illinois, as Washington gets set for a three-game series against the reigning Frontier League Champion Boomers, with the first pitch of the first game of the series set for tonight at 7:30 ET.
